Hodkinson was paired with young Sharks half Kyle Flanagan for a scrimmage session, with Hodkinson laying on a try for the former under-20s star with his first touch.

He then joined a series of grueling fitness and running drills before the players called it a day.

Hodkinson will add depth in the halves for Cronulla with Sharks coach Shane Flanagan planning to start the season with 2016 premiership-winning halfback Chad Townsend alongside new signing Matt Moylan at five-eighth.

But with only former under-20s star Kyle Flanagan as an option to cover for the first choice pair, Flanagan swooped for Hodkinson. His signing also allows Flanagan more flexibility in his backline should injury hit Valentine Holmes, allowing Hodkinson to slip into the No.6 jumper should Moylan or Josh Dugan be required to shift to fullback.

“I’m happy to be here, to be making a fresh start and I’m ready to get stuck into it,” Hodkinson said.

“Whatever Flano and the coaching staff need me to do, I’m happy to do it.”

The Sharks took part in a three-day camp at Terrigal last week but are back in the shire to prepare for their first trial game against Manly on February 17.